Sounders: Dempsey to ‘play a role’ in Saturday’s MLS opener

Seattle Sounders FC continues preparing its roster for MLS opening day with word designated player Clint Dempsey will “play a role” Saturday against Sporting Kansas City. Dempsey was scheduled back in the Northwest on Thursday after concluding his loan to Fulham of the English Premier League and after playing the full 90 minutes Wednesday in the United States national team’s 2-0 loss to Ukraine in Cyprus. Seattle coach Sigi Schmid said he believes Dempsey can quickly fit in with the club despite missing all of its preseason training. Last season, Dempsey recorded one goal and one assist in nine games with the Sounders. Then he failed to score any while in and out of the Fulham lineup over the two-month loan that began in January. – Tacoma News Tribune